When to Keep your Child Home and How to Prevent the Flu
The peak of cold and flu season is here, Sandites! To prevent widespread flu/infection in the district, our school nurses ask you to follow the guidelines below.
When to CONSIDER Keeping your Child Home
Keeping a sick child at home will help minimize the spread of infections and viruses in the classroom. Consider keeping your child at home for an extra day of rest and observation if he or she has any of these symptoms:
- Very stuffy or runny nose and/or a cough
- Mild sore throat (no fever, no known exposure to strep)
- Headache
When to DEFINITELY Keep your Child Home
Keep your child at home for treatment and observation if he or she has any of these symptoms:
- Fever
- The student may return to school only after temperature has been consistently below 100.4 degrees for a minimum of 24 hours.
- A student must stay home if they have a temperature greater than 100.4 degrees.
- Vomiting (even once)
- Diarrhea
- Chills
- General malaise or feelings of fatigue, discomfort, weakness or muscle aches
- Frequent congested (wet) or croupy cough
- Lots of nasal congestion with frequent blowing of the nose
- Confirmed or suspected Flu diagnosis
- Must be fever free for 24 hours AND symptom free to return to school
How to Prevent
To help prevent the flu and other illnesses, our nurses recommend teaching your children good hygiene habits:
- Stay up to date on vaccinations.
- Wash hands frequently.
- Do not touch eyes, nose or mouth.
- Cover mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, use a paper tissue, throw it away and then wash hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
If you have any questions regarding the cold and flu season, please contact your school nurse.